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There is more to the modeling world than the media lets on. If you want to find out what it really takes and how to manage your modeling career, then you've come to the right place! This blog is dedicated to the aspiring and already established models who live to defy the standards and stereotypes in order to make a place for themselves in this crazy industry.

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Monday, September 2, 2013

The 411 on Modeling Agency Interviews

I could've sworn I've done a post about modeling agency interviews but I searched and searched throughout my blog and couldn't find it so I figured why not cover all my bases and do one just in case? You can never have too much info about modeling agencies, right? :-)

Interviews are more important than casting calls because this is a special one-on-one between a model and the agency that is arranged by appointment. Before I go into further detail, it is important to point out that any questions about what to wear and bring should be directed to whoever contacted you from the agency to set up the interview.

Sometimes models will receive an email with basic instructions on how to prepare and what to expect, while others may simply state the day, time and address of the interview in the email.

If you are given instructions on what to bring and wear, then follow that. If not, it is okay to email or call your contact person at the agency to find out.

Now that we've clarified that, I'll move on to what could be expected in most cases (not all agencies operate the same way and I can't speak for what you may experience exactly...this info is very general so keep that in mind):

Dress Wisely

Unlike casting calls this is a somewhat more formal type of meeting but by "formal," I don't mean you should arrive in a business suit. Business casual or dressy casual is more than acceptable for male and female models.

Examples of ideal outfits include a nice dress and heels, skinny jeans and a dressy top with heels or a skirt with a nice blouse and heels for female models. Always wear heels unless you're a child model or a teen model who isn't tall enough for fashion and runway.

Male models can wear jeans, nice shoes and a button up shirt, slacks and a button up shirt and dress shoes or jeans, nice shoes and a collared shirt.

The "model uniform" that I mostly talk about for snapshots and things should be limited for attending open calls, not agency interviews unless the agency says that type of attire is okay.Bring Photos

New/inexperienced models do NOT--I repeat, DO NOT--need professional photos, comp/zed cards, headshots or a portfolio, nor will they be expected to bring professional grade materials into the interview.

It is best to bring your digital snapshots with your name, full stats and contact information written on the back of each one. If you've already submitted snapshots before, bring copies of those same ones. The agency may want to see them again or may no longer have the ones you originally gave. So be prepared to leave your snapshots with the agency after the interview if asked (if they don't ask to keep them, that's okay and not necessarily a bad sign).

Print your snapshots on decent photo paper (available at any office supply store). The photos shouldn't be larger than 5"x7" but no smaller than 4"x6", unless the agency tells you otherwise.

Get There Early

To make a good first impression and to avoid any stress, plan to arrive to your agency interview at least 30 minutes early. This gives you wiggle room for things like finding parking, checking yourself in the mirror and other small tasks. You'll have to sign in at the front desk and will be directed to a lobby or waiting room. It's much better to arrive early and wait instead of running late or getting there just in the nick of time and being frazzled.

Don't Bring an Entourage

Getting invited to interview with a modeling agency is a big deal but don't bring the whole family. Aspiring models who are under the age of 18 must have one parent/guardian with them (the parent/guardian will be able to sit in during the interview).

Parents/guardians, let the agency lead the interview. Hold off on your own questions or concerns until they give you the chance to speak and if they direct questions to your child, let him/her speak--don't answer for them. Speaking for them when it isn't necessary is known as "helicoptering" and it's super annoying and not a good impression to make on an agency.

Parents, make sure you've got a babysitter if you have younger kids to worry about. It isn't a good idea to bring them to the interview since they'll end up becoming a distraction.

Models that are of age should arrive alone to the interview. Any friends or significant others should stay in the lobby/waiting room or outside of the office. Do NOT ask to bring them into the interview with you.

Expect Conversation

Aside from stuff like doing a runway walk (for fashion and runway models) and taking polaroids (for the agency's records and to match your name with a face), the interview will mainly consist of a sit-down conversation between you and the agency. There may be one person or several--it all depends on the agency.

Modeling agencies have a lot of factors to consider when it comes to potentially offering a model representation. It isn't just about the physical look/appearance but personality as well. Since you'll be working closely with the agency, it is important that they like and feel comfortable around you.

It will be a Q&A session but they won't be acting like drill sergeants or a detective questioning you during an interrogation. It will be like a casual conversation so relax, be outgoing, engaged and maintain good eye contact. But always make sure you have good posture. No slouching and no fidgeting.

No Trick Questions

I can't tell you exactly what types of questions agencies would ask during an interview but there are some common ones that might come up, such as:

- What are your hobbies/interests?- Are you in school? What are you studying?- Are you working?- What are your goals for the future?- Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?- What got you interested in modeling?- What are your strengths/weaknesses?- Are you willing to travel?- What modeling experience do you have, if any? (If you have none, then say that--it won't count against you but be honest)- What is your schedule of availability like?- How do you handle rejection? - Who is your favorite designer? (For aspiring fashion and runway models)

What You Shouldn't Say

When answering questions, keep it brief. Don't ramble but don't just give one-word answers, either. One very important thing that all aspiring models should keep in mind when interviewing with an agency is to not come off as arrogant and/or demanding.

There is a difference between telling an agency about yourself and telling them what you will or will not do. For example, going into an agency interview and stating that you want all your travel expenses covered, won't work holidays or weekends and only want to deal with big name designers will not win any points. Nor will telling them that you plan on being the next supermodel who will take over Gisele's place. Not only is this off-putting (to anybody, no less an agency), it is very naive and a big sign that you don't understand the industry at all.

The whole purpose of the interview is so the modeling agency can get to know you. They aren't going to quiz you about off the wall subjects--it isn't a trivia game. It is a one-on-one conversation about you that will help them determine whether or not you'd be a good fit for their agency. It's as simple as that.

Go in confident, with a great smile and energy and the rest will take care of itself.

24 comments:

I love your blog! It's very helpful. I have a question that's kind of urgent. I'm going to New York soon to go to open calls at the agencies there. I'm very excited and am trying to prepare myself for anything that may come up. One question that I'm worried about them asking me is "Why do you want to be a 'agency's name' model?" I don't know how to answer that, and I know it shouldn't be as difficult as I'm making it. Any tips on an answer? Thanks!!!

Thanks for this awesome article, Dania! It really helped! I'm a male model and submitted some photos to an agency. Long story short, I'm going to a scheduled interview on Tuesday. I feel pretty confident about most everything, but my teeth. They're pretty white, and definitely straight, but they are very gapped. Similar to Lindsey Wixson's. My teeth weren't shown in my photos so I'm not sure how the agent will take it. How do you think the agent will react? Is having imperfect teeth a deal breaker? Should I be nervous about this at all?

Hi, Allecia Davis! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #809," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!

Hello my 6 year old has an appointment with BMG Modeling Agency and I was wondering if you had any tips on questions I should be asking them. Also what is your opinion of BMG Modeling Agency? They haven't asked for money which is a good sign. Please help

Hi, AspiringTalent! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #847," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!

Hey there,I have to go to a modelling interview and I have no experience what so ever, anyway I'm stuck on a few of the question like "What are your strengths and weaknesses ", "where do you think you'll be in 5 years" with the last question I love studying but am wondering I that would make me sound geeky and ruin my furure in modelling.Thanks

Hi Dania! I have no experience in modeling but I have always loved fashion and the idea of modeling. I have been invited to an agency interview this tuesday. My question is, is there any hope or place for a model who wants to be on the modest side of dressing as a model? Meaning requesting not to wear bikinis, short skirts, super low cut shirts.... thanks for your advise!

I need your advice. I use to model before I got married. Then when I got a divorce ironically my agency called me to go in for a recap interview. BUT my finger broke over the weekend and i got braces. Should I even go? My interview is tomorrow and I live in miami.

Im 16 and next month i have an interview with an agency in london!!!!!!!! I read that you should probably wear heals should i still do that even though im 16 and ive never really wore heels, will they be expecting that?Thanks!

About Me

This blog has come a long way since I started it in 2007! After more than 15 years in the modeling industry I have grown to be just as passionate about helping others get into modeling as I am about working in the industry itself. This blog will provide new, aspiring and established models words of wisdom, helpful tips, resources, advice, information and insight into the modeling world that not many people care to take the time to share. I believe we all should pursue our dreams--even if they end up not being the right fit. In addition to this blog I am also a model mentor and hope to begin traveling to do meet and greets with my readers and fans. If you want to set up a meet and greet, need advice for your own situation or want to request a topic for me to write about, please shoot me an email.